Golf training putter

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a golf training putter comprises a putter head that is connected to a shaft in a manner which enables the putter head to rotate around the shaft.

CROSS REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefits from provisional application No.60/437,772 filed Jan. 3, 2003 and provisional application No. 60/503,126filed Sep. 15, 2003, the complete disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to a training aid for improving the pathof a golfers putting stroke and also for improving the ball contact madeduring the putting stroke. The training aids of the present inventionmay resemble a standard golf putter comprised of a shaft with a grip anda putter head. The putter head will unconventionally be allowed torotate around the shaft in order to provide both visual and physicalfeedback regarding the quality of the putting stroke and ball contact.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] There are two critical components to a good golf-putting stroke.The first key to a good stroke is comprised of a repeatable back swingand forward swing that follows along an intended target line in apendulum motion. Secondly, the putting stroke should ensure that theball is struck with the center of the putter head to impart a consistentforward roll along the intended target line. Inconsistencies in eitherof those two key components can cause putts to travel off-line or to nottravel the intended distance. These inconsistencies result in moremissed putts and undesirably higher golf scores. This invention pertainsto a golf putter with unique features that will improve a golfersability to make a repeatable putting stroke by providing physical andvisual feedback due to any inconsistencies to one or both of the keyswing components during the stroke.

[0004] A wide variety of inventions and devices exist to help improve agolfer's putting stroke. U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,099 describes a laseralignment device that can be easily attached to a club or putter shaft.This laser device will emit a line of light on the ground creating atarget line for the putter head to follow. While this line is useful foralignment purposes, it may encourage the golfer to rotate their headslightly and look in front of the ball during the putting stroke insteadof keeping the eyes focused on the ball until it is struck. Not watchingthe ball as it is struck frequently results in putts that are miss-hitand not struck in the center of the putter head. These putts tend tostray off line and not travel the intended distance. In addition, sincethe laser device is attached to the shaft of the club, any inadvertentrotation of the shaft during the putting stroke will also rotate thealignment marking line that is transmitted on the ground. This alignmentadjustment may not be easily perceivable to the user and putts may bemissed if the putter head follows the altered alignment marking.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,039 describes a putting training device thatconsists of a curved track and an engagement feature on the bottom of aputter head that forces the putter head to follow the curved trackduring a putting stroke. The curved track lies relatively flat in themiddle of the golfer's stance where the ball is placed prior to putting.The track gradually increases in height as it moves back and away fromthe golfer. This increase in height represents the pendulum motion agood putting stroke would follow. The features of this inventionencourage a putting stroke that travels straight back and straightthrough along the target line and also encourage that the ball be struckin the center of the putter head, both of which are desirable results.However, this type of apparatus is a cumbersome device for a golfer tocarry and use in different locations. In addition, this device may notbe well suited for all different body types. For instance, a shortergolfer may not make a stroke with the same pendulum arc that a tallergolfer may make. Using a track not fitted for your swing path or bodytype may begin to develop some uncomfortable aspects throughout thestroke by forcing your stroke along an unnatural path. This can affectthe fluidity of the putting stroke. Therefore, it may be required thateach curved track be custom fitted for each particular golfer body typewhich can be expensive for the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a golf putter that can be usedboth indoors on a carpet or floor and also outdoors on a golf puttinggreen or similar surfaces by both left-handed and right-handed golfers.It is a further aspect of the invention that it may be used in allarenas either as a training aid or as a standard golf putter dependingon how the various features of the invention are configured. If theputter is used as a training aid, it is an aspect of the invention toimprove the path of a golfer's putting stroke. A good putting stroke iscomprised of a repeatable back swing and a forward swing that follows anintended target path in a pendulum motion. To accomplish this intention,the putter head will unconventionally be allowed to rotate around theshaft in order to provide both visual and physical feedback regardingthe quality of the putting stroke. If the putting stroke were toundesirably travel off line during the stroke, the putter head wouldrotate and the golfer will be able to visually see the rotation of theputter head and become aware of the poor putting stroke. Or, therotation of the putter head would result in the ball being struck atsome angle other than perpendicular to the intended target line, causingthe ball to travel off the intended target line, which the golfer wouldvisualize at impact.

[0007] As the golfers ability to make a repeatable straight-back,straight-through stroke improves, it may be desirable to add a featureto the putter head that makes the putter head more susceptible to smallimperfections of the putting stroke to fine tune the golfers stroke evenfurther. To accomplish this, it is a further optional aspect of theinvention that an adjustable counterweight may be attached to or removedfrom the putter head as desired. The counterweight may be attached tothe putter head on a “Y” shaped support device. In this configuration,the two tips of the fork of the “Y” shaped support would be attached tothe two ends of the putter commonly referred to as the “toe” (end of theputter farthest from the golfer) and “heal” (end of the putter nearestthe golfer). This method of attachment would allow the counterweight tobe attached to the stem of the “Y” shaped support and be locateddirectly behind the center of the length dimension of the putter head.The counterweight would ideally be allowed to slide closer to, orfurther away from the putter head along the stem of the “Y” shapedsupport as desired. Positioning the weight farther away from the putterhead increases the length of the moment arm by which the counterweightcan impart a rotational force on the putter head and cause the head torotate around the shaft. A longer moment arm will impart more torque onthe putter head with less force and would therefore increase thesusceptibility of the putter head to rotation as a result of smallimperfections of the putting stroke, such as an off-line stroke path.Conversely, locating the counterweight closer to the putter head willdecrease the length of the moment arm thereby reducing the putter headssusceptibility to rotation from small imperfections of the puttingstroke. It is a further aspect of the invention that heavier or lightercounterweights may be interchangeably utilized to meet a particular feelor susceptibility level as desired by the user.

[0008] It is another aspect of the invention that the length of the stemof the “Y” be adjustable by either extending or retracting the length ofthe stem, thereby allowing the counterweight to be placed a desireddistance from the putter head. To easily extend or retract the length ofthe stem, it is a further aspect of the invention that the stem of the“Y” shaped wire may be comprised of a telescopic structure. It is yet afurther aspect of the invention that the counterweight be located at thetip of the telescopic structure thus providing the ability to easilyextend or retract the counterweight to the desired level of difficulty.

[0009] It is a further aspect of the invention that the putter head haveadditional optional mounting holes for inserting the tips of the “Y”wire along the centerline of the width of the putter head. These holesmay be spaced apart from one another, beginning from the heal and thetoe of the putter head and moving closer inward towards the shaft of theputter. Inserting the tips of the “Y” wire into the mounting holes thatare closer to the heal and toe of the putter will increase thesusceptibility of the putter head to rotation. Having the tips spacedfar away from the shaft increases the rotational force moment arm thattips will impart a rotational force across onto the bearing. Dependingon the skill level of the golfer, a novice golfer may want to place thetips of the “Y” wire into mounting holes closer to the putter shaft toreduce the length of the moment arm and make the putter head lesssusceptible to rotation due to an improper stroke. As the golfer'sputting stroke improves, the tips of the “Y” wire can be gradually movedfurther away from the shaft to increase the level of difficulty.

[0010] To further improve the visual feedback provided to the golfer, itis another aspect of the invention that the putter has alignmentmarkings on the top of the putter head. These alignment markings can beboth parallel and perpendicular to the intended target line of the putt.The alignment markings that are parallel to the putting path assist thegolfer in properly aligning the putter head along the intended-puttingpath. The alignment markings perpendicular to the putting path providethe golfer with additional visual feedback if the putter head begins toundesirably rotate during the putting stroke. These markings assist thegolfer in noticing subtle rotations of the putter head.

[0011] It is another aspect of the invention when used as a training aidto improve a golfer's ability to strike the ball repeatedly with thecenter of the putter head, commonly referred to as a “sweet spot”. Aputt that is struck with the center of the putter head travels with aconsistent forward roll along the intended target line. By allowing theputter head to rotate around the putter shaft, putts hit inadvertentlyoff center will cause the putter head to rotate and visually inform thegolfer of the miss hit. The farther off center the ball is struck, themore the putter head will rotate providing additional information on howfar off center the putt was struck. This feedback will work for bothputts hit off either the toe or heal of the putter. Putts hit near thetoe of the putter will cause the putter head to rotate clockwise aroundthe shaft for a right-handed golfer. Putts hit towards the heal of theputter will cause the putter head to rotate counter clockwise for aright-handed golfer. The rotational directions are reversed if thegolfer is putting left-handed.

[0012] If desired to use the invention as a standard golf putter, theinvention provides various locking features that can be incorporated andused to immobilize the putter head to prevent it from rotating about theshaft. A locking feature will allow the golfer to use the same putter asboth a training aid and as a standard putter thereby keeping the size,shape and weight of the putter the same, which is important. If a golferwere to practice with a putting device that is heavier than the standardputter the golfer uses during a round of golf, the golfer's puttingstroke may become quick due to the lighter weight of the standardputter. This is a similar result to a baseball player that takes severalpractice swings with a weight attached to the bat prior to hitting apitch from an opposing player. Practice swings with a heavier bat helpthe baseball player to increase their bat speed during their actualhitting attempt by providing both a physical and psychological feel thatthe bat is lighter. An increased bat speed will increase the distance abaseball will travel when struck. Therefore, a golfer putting with aputter that is lighter than the practice putter used may encourage aputting stroke that is faster than required and hit putts that travellonger than intended. The reverse also holds true. If a golfer were topractice with a putting device that is much lighter than the normalputter used, when the heavier putter is used during competition or play,a golfer's putts may not travel the entire intended distance due to thereduced swing speed.

[0013] There are numerous methods for incorporating locking orimmobilization features into this invention. Three such locking featuresare described in detail here within. However, it should be appreciatedthat other locking features that are obvious to someone skilled in theart may be incorporated into this invention.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, the locking feature is attachedonto the shaft of the putter. In this configuration, a rigid appendagecould be affixed to the shaft as a portion of the locking feature and beforced to rotate along with any rotation of the shaft. Threaded orunthreaded holes may be incorporated through the thickness of theappendage into which threaded or unthreaded rigid members can beinserted. One or more corresponding receiving holes could also beincorporated into the putter head that could simultaneously receive therigid members that are passed through the appendage. The rigid membersshould also contain certain features that allow the members to be easilyinserted or removed by hand without the need for a special tool. Therigid members would then be in contact simultaneously with the putterhead and the appendage. Since the appendage is affixed to the shaft, theputter head would only rotate along with any rotation of the puttershaft and not be allowed to rotate around the shaft thus allowing theputter to be used as a conventional putter.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism will becomprised of a threaded feature extending outward from the end of theputter shaft nearest the head of the putter. In this aspect, thethreaded feature extends beyond the lower edge of the rotational devicetowards the bottom of the putter head. One or more rubber, metal,plastic or similar washers with inner diameters slightly larger than thediameter of the putter shaft could then be inserted over the threadeddevice and putter shaft and allowed to make contact with the rotationaldevice. The washers can be secured in place with a threaded nut insertedonto the threaded device and tightened securely. Tightening the nutsecurely will ensure that sufficient pressure is applied to therotational device by the washer thus preventing the rotational devicefrom moving and thus preventing the putter head from rotating around theshaft. The locking nut should also contain certain features that allowthe nut to be tightened or loosened by hand without the need for aspecial tool.

[0016] In a further aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism wouldbe accomplished by threading the inner diameter of the putter shaft atthe end of the putter nearest the putter head. One or more rubber,metal, plastic or similar washers with inner diameters slightly largerthan the diameter of the putter shaft could then be inserted over theputter shaft and allowed to make contact with the rotational device. Thewashers can be secured in place with a threaded rigid member insertedinto the threaded inner diameter of the putter shaft and tightenedsecurely. Tightening the threaded rigid member securely will ensure thatsufficient pressure is applied to the rotational device by the washerthus preventing the rotational device from moving and thus preventingthe putter head from rotating around the shaft. The threaded rigidmember should also contain certain features that allow the member to betightened or loosened by hand without the need for a special tool.

[0017] It is another aspect of the invention that a device may beattached to the putter that will return the putter head to the desiredstaring position that is perpendicular to the intended target line ofthe putt. While it shall be appreciated that a variety of solutions maybe employed to achieve this result, the preferred embodiment wouldutilize an elastic mechanism for returning the putter head perpendicularto the target line after each stroke. The return mechanism would becomprised of a ring with one or more elastic strings attached to thering. The ring itself would be rigidly attached to the putter shaft andbe allowed to rotate along with the putter shaft. The elastic stringscould be attached to one or more ends of the putter head along thecenterline of the putter width. Ideally, the elastic string wouldprovide sufficient resistance to allow the putter head to return to thedesired starting position but should not provide so much resistance thatit restricts the ability of the putter head to rotate during the strokeor impact. The putter head would essentially act like a saloon styledoor that will swing back and forth but eventually return to the staringposition perpendicular to the intended target line.

[0018] These and other aspects of the invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of the invention whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates three components of the invention, a shaft, arotational device and a putter head that is allowed to rotate around theshaft.

[0020]FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the three components of theinvention described in FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 3 illustrates the invention with a locking mechanism that iscomprised of a rigid appendage and rigid objects that can be used toimmobilize the putter head for use as a standard golf putter whentraining is not desired.

[0022]FIG. 4 illustrates the invention along with a locking mechanismthat is comprised of a threaded rigid object at the end of the puttershaft. Washers and a locking nut can then be threaded onto the threadedrigid object creating sufficient pressure against the rotational deviceto prevent the head from rotating.

[0023]FIG. 5 illustrates the invention along with a locking mechanismthat is comprised of a threaded rigid object that can be threaded intothe inner diameter of the putter shaft. The head of the threaded rigidobject is shaped in a manner that will exert sufficient pressure againstthe rotational device and prevent the head from rotating.

[0024]FIG. 6 illustrates the invention along with the counterweight and“Y” shaped support device.

[0025]FIG. 7 illustrates the invention along with a return mechanismthat will force the putter head back into a square alignment positionwith the intended target line after each stroke.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring to the figures below, FIG. 1 shows a perspective viewof an embodiment of a practice putting apparatus 5 that is encompassedby the present invention. Apparatus 5 shows a putter shaft 20 connectedto putter head 10 by a rotational device 30. Putter shaft 20 can be madefrom a multitude of materials including, but not limited to, aluminumand similar alloys, steel and similar alloys, graphite, wood or similarsubstances. Putter head 10 can be made from a multitude of materialsincluding, but not limited to, aluminum and similar alloys, steel andsimilar alloys, brass, copper, iron, nickel or similar materials. Puttershaft 20 is connected to putter apparatus 5 by first passing freelythrough hole 13 of putter head 10. Hole 13 has a slightly largerdiameter than the outer diameter 21 of shaft 20 so that no friction orcontact is made and putter head 10 can rotate around shaft 20. Puttershaft 20 can then be connected to the inner diameter 31 of rotationaldevice 30. One method for connecting shaft 20 to inner diameter 31utilizes an interference friction fit between the two features. Thisinterference friction fit can be accomplished by using a putter shaft 20where the end of shaft 20 where the interface with rotational device 30occurs has an outer diameter 21 that is equal to or slightly larger thaninner diameter 31 of rotational device 30. Rotational device 30 may beforced onto shaft 20 via pressure, or, rotational device 30 may beheated to an elevated temperature to temporarily expand inner diameter31 of rotational device 30 to reduce the pressure required to assemblerotational device 30 onto shaft 20. When rotational device 30 cools,inner diameter 31 contracts and increases the interference frictionbetween the rotational device 30 and shaft 20. The interference frictionwould not be so great that it would inhibit rotational device 30 fromrotating properly. However, the interference friction should besufficient enough to maintain the mechanical connection between therotational device 30 and shaft 20 for many years and over varioustemperature ranges and weather conditions that the putter may be exposedto during practice or a round of golf.

[0027] Another method that can be used to attach rotational device 30 toshaft 20 is to use a putter shaft 20 with an outer diameter 21 that issmaller than inner diameter 31 of rotational device 30. The space thatwould exist between outer diameter 21 and inner diameter 31 could thenbe filled with epoxy, glue or other substance that would create amechanical bond between outer diameter 21 and inner diameter 31. Thismechanical bond would be sufficient enough to maintain the mechanicalconnection between rotational device 30 and shaft 20 for many years andover various temperature ranges and weather conditions that putterapparatus 5 may be exposed to during practice or a round of golf.

[0028] In order to improve the visual feedback provided to the golfer bythe invention, alignment markings 80 could be included as a feature onthe top of putter head 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Alignment markings 80 canbe parallel or perpendicular to the intended target line 100 of theputt. The intent of alignment markings 80 that are parallel to theputting path is to assist the golfer in properly aligning the putterhead along intended target line 100. The intent of alignment markings 80perpendicular to target line 100 is to provide the golfer withadditional visual feedback if putter head 10 begins to undesirablyrotate during the putting stroke. These markings allow the golfer tomore easily notice subtle rotations of putter head 10.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, rotational device 30 is attached toputter head 10 by similar methods used to attach rotational device 30 toputter shaft 20. An interference friction fit can be created betweenrotational device 30 and putter head 10. To accomplish this, innerdiameter 11 of hole 15, at the bottom surface of putter head 10, will beequal to or slightly smaller than outer diameter 32 of rotational device30. The rotational device 30 may be forced into hole 15 via pressure, orhole 15 may be heated to an elevated temperature to temporarily expandthe inner diameter 11 and reduce the pressure required to assemblerotational device 30 into putter head 10. When hole 15 cools, innerdiameter 11 contracts and increases the interference friction betweenouter diameter 32 of rotational device 30 and inner diameter 11 of hole15. The interference friction would not be so great that it wouldinhibit rotational device 30 from rotating properly. However, theinterference friction should be sufficient enough to maintain themechanical connection between rotational device 30 and putter head 10for many years and over various temperature ranges and weatherconditions that putter apparatus 5 may be exposed to during practice ora round of golf.

[0030] Another method that can be used to attach rotational device 30 toputter head 10 is to create hole 15 with inner diameter 11 that islarger than the outer diameter 32 of the rotational device 30. The spacethat would exist between inner diameter 11 and the outer diameter 32could then be filled with epoxy, glue or other substance that wouldcreate a mechanical bond between the inner diameter 11 of hole 15 andouter diameter 32 of rotational device 30. This mechanical bond would besufficient enough to maintain the mechanical connection betweenrotational device 30 and putter head 10 for many years and over varioustemperature ranges and weather conditions that putter apparatus 5 may beexposed to during practice or a round of golf.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention described in detail in FIG. 1 along with locking features thatcan immobilize the putter head and prevent the putter head 10 fromrotating around shaft 20 if desired. The apparatus shown in FIG. 3contains all of the same aspects, such as shaft 20, rotational device30, putter head 10 and alignment markings 80, that are mentioned in thedetailed description for FIG. 1. The additional aspects shown in FIG. 3make up the locking mechanism and are comprised of rigid appendage 40with one or more threaded or unthreaded holes 41 and one additional hole42 passing through appendage 40. Hole 42 will be used to rigidly affixappendage 40 to shaft 20. Hole 41 of rigid appendage 40 could be usedalong with threaded or unthreaded rigid object 50 and one or morethreaded or unthreaded hole 12 in putter head 10 that align with hole41. To immobilize putter head 10, rigid object 50 would pass throughhole 41 of appendage 40 and simultaneously pass through hole 12 inputter head 10 making both appendage 40 and putter head 10 rotate alongwith the rotation of shaft 20, preventing putter head 10 from rotatingindependently.

[0032]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of theinvention described in detail in FIG. 1 along with locking features thatcan immobilize putter head 10 and prevent putter head 10 from rotatingaround shaft 20 if desired. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 contains allof the aspects and methods for attaching the components, such as shaft20, rotational device 30, putter head 10 and alignment markings 80, thatare mentioned in the detailed description for FIG. 1. The additionalaspects shown in FIG. 4 make up the locking mechanism and consist of athreaded rod 70, one or more washers 90, and a locking nut 60. Threadedrod 70, extends outward from the bottom of shaft 20 and can be attachedto shaft 20 through a variety of methods. These methods include butshould not be limited to a mechanical interference fit, achemical-mechanical bond such as epoxy, glue or cement, or other similarmethods to secure threaded rod 70 to shaft 20. When assembled and shaft20 is securely attached to rotational device 30 as described in thedetailed description of FIG. 1, threaded rod 70, should extend beyondthe bottom of rotational device 30. Threaded rod 70 should extend farenough so that one or more washers 90 and locking nut 60 can beassembled onto threaded rod 70. The inner diameter 91 of washer 90,should be slightly larger than outer diameter 71 of threaded rod 70 andlarger than outer diameter 21 of shaft 20 so that washer 90 can beforced up against the bottom of rotational device 30. Locking nut 60 isassembled after washer 90 and is allowed to tighten up against washer 90in order to increase the pressure and friction washer 90 imparts onrotational device 30. Locking nut 60 and washer 90 should be able toprovide sufficient pressure and friction to prevent rotational device 30from rotating and effectively immobilize putter head 10 to prevent itfrom rotating about shaft 20. Washer 90 can be created from a variety ofmetal, plastic and/or rubber materials. Metal washers could be used toincrease the overall weight of the putter if desired. Plastic or rubberwashers tend to have a higher coefficient of friction and thereforewould reduce the amount of pressure locking nut 60 would have to impartin order to prevent rotational device 30 from rotating.

[0033]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of theinvention described in detail for FIG. 1 along with locking featuresthat can immobilize the putter head and prevent putter head 10 fromrotating around shaft 20 if desired. The apparatus shown in FIG. 5contains all of the same components and methods for attaching thecomponents, such as shaft 20, rotational device 30, and putter head 10,that are mentioned in the detailed description for FIG. 1. FIG. 5 alsoshows a threaded locking rod 130 that can be passed through therotational device and threaded into the inner diameter 22 of shaft 20.Head 135 of the locking rod 130 is shaped in a manner that will allowhead 135 to make sufficient contact pressure and friction againstrotational device 30 to prevent rotational device 30 from rotating andeffectively immobilize putter head 10 and prevent it from rotating aboutshaft 20. In additional pressure against rotational device 30 isrequired, washer (not shown) can be inserted prior to the insertion oflocking rod 130 similar to the methods described in the detaildescription for FIG. 4. Additionally, locking head 135 may be shaped insuch a manner that will allow locking rod 130 to be threaded or insertedinto inner diameter 22 of shaft 20 by hand without the use of specialtools.

[0034]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the invention described indetail for FIG. 1. The apparatus shown in FIG. 6 contains all of thesame components and methods for attaching the components, such as shaft20, rotational device 30, and putter head 10, that are mentioned in thedetailed description for FIG. 1. FIG. 6 also shows counterweight 120 and“Y” shaped support structure 110. Support Structure 110 is comprised ofstem 115 along with the two ends 111. Counterweight 120 could be madefrom a variety of materials including, but not limited to metals such assteel, galvanized steel, brass, aluminum, copper, or tin. Counterweight120 is located along stem 115 and is allowed to slide along stem 115 tomove closer to or farther away from putter head 10 as desired. Thefriction between stem 115 and counterweight 120 should be sufficientenough to retain counterweight 120 in a desired location along stem 115yet still be easily adjustable by hand with out the use of specialtools. Locating counterweight 120 farther away from putter head 10 willincrease the putter's susceptibility to rotation due to imperfections ina putting stroke. If counterweight 120 is not maintained directly behindthe center of putter head 10 throughout the putting stroke, the momentumof the stroke will impart a force onto counterweight 120. Force actingon counterweight 120 will in turn impart a rotational force ontorotational device 30 and cause putter head 10 to rotate around shaft 20.Placing counterweight 120 farther away from putter head 10 increases thelength of the moment arm that imparts the rotational force ontorotational device 30. A longer moment arm increases the amount ofrotational force applied to rotational device 30. Therefore, a longermoment arm requires less force from counterweight 120 to impartsufficient rotational force to cause putter head 10 to rotate. Withcounterweight 120 placed farther away from putter head 10, a moreconsistent putting stroke with a straight-back and straight-throughpendulum motion is required to keep counterweight 120 positioneddirectly behind the center of mass of putter head 10 throughout thestroke. Conversely, positioning counterweight 120 closer to putter head10 will decrease the length of the moment arm thus making putter head 10less susceptible to rotation.

[0035] Any rotational force imparted onto putter head 10 bycounterweight 120 is transmitted through support structure 110 where itconnects to putter head 10 at ends 111. As an additional means ofadjusting the difficulty level of the putting aid, it is a furtheraspect of this invention that support structure 110 be flexible enoughto allow ends 111 to flex and align with holes 105 in putter head 10. Toallow for flexibility, support structure 110 could be made from avariety of materials including, but not limited to metals such as steel,galvanized steel, brass, aluminum, copper, tin, or plastics such aspolycarbonate, polycarbonate/ABS blends, polystyrene, polyethylene, orPVC. Similar to the positioning of counterweight 120, positioning ends111 into holes 105 that are located farthest away from shaft 20increases the length of the moment arm between ends 111 and rotationaldevice 30, thereby making putter head 10 more susceptible to rotation.Conversely, positioning ends 111 into holes 105 that are closer to shaft20 will decrease the length of the moment arm thus making putter head 10less susceptible to rotation. Varying the length of the moment armbetween these key features allows for the invention to be adjustable toall skill levels.

[0036]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the invention described indetail for FIG. 1. The apparatus shown in FIG. 7 contains all of thesame components and methods for attaching the components, such as shaft20, rotational device 30, and putter head 10, that are mentioned in thedetailed description for FIG. 1. FIG. 7 also shows features of a returnmechanism comprised of ring 150 and one or more elastic strings 145. Inthis configuration, ring 150 would be rigidly attached to putter shaft20 and be allowed to rotate along with putter shaft 20. One end ofelastic string 145 is attached to ring 150. The other end of elasticstring 145 is attached to insertion feature 160 with geometry capable ofmating with hole 105 on putter head 10. Insertion feature 160 can bemade from a variety of materials including, but not limited to metal,plastic, rubber, or wood. Insertion feature 160 should be shaped in sucha manner so that it is easily inserted or removed from hole 105 by hand,without the use of any special tools. The intention of elastic string145 is to return putter head 10 to the desired starting position that isperpendicular to the intended target line at the beginning of theputting stroke. As putter head 10 rotates, tension force will constantlybe loaded and unloaded in elastic string 145 until all energy isdissipated and putter head 10 is returned to its original startingposition. Locating insertion feature 160 into hole 105 that is farthestaway from shaft 20 will increase the tension in elastic string 145 priorto the start of the stroke. More initial tension in elastic string 145will cause the energy imparted on the strings through the rotation ofputter head 10 to dissipate more quickly. Therefore, putter head 10would return more quickly to its starting position, where all forcesacting on the putter head are neutral until the putting device is setinto motion again. Conversely, locating insertion feature 160 into hole105 that is closer to shaft 20 would reduce the initial tension inelastic string 145 and allow putter head 10 to rotate back and forth formore iterations before coming to rest. This flexibility in pre-loadingthe tension of elastic string 145 allows the user to adjust how quicklyputter head 10 returns based upon the users preference.

[0037] While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it will be apparent that various modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf training putter comprising: a shaft; and aputter head that is connected to a shaft in a manner which enables theputter head to rotate around the shaft.
 2. The golf training putter ofclaim 1 wherein the putter head is connected to the shaft by arotational device.
 3. The golf training putter of claim 2 wherein saidrotational device is a bearing.
 4. The golf training putter of claim 1wherein the putter head has one or more visual alignment marking linesthat are perpendicular to an intended target line of a putt.
 5. The golftraining putter of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism thatimmobilizes the putter head and prevent the putter head from rotatingaround the shaft.
 6. The golf training putter of claim 5 wherein thelocking mechanism is comprised of a rigid appendage that is affixed tothe shaft and rotates along with the rotation of the shaft.
 7. The golftraining putter of claim 6 wherein the appendage has one or more holesthrough the appendage.
 8. The golf training putter of claim 7 whereinthe putter head has at least one aligning hole in the putter head thataligns with at least one hole in the appendage in one or moreorientations of the putter head.
 9. The golf training putter of claim 8wherein at least one rigid object is passed through at least one hole inthe appendage and simultaneously through the aligning hole in the putterhead to immobilize the putter head and prevent the putter head fromrotating around the putter shaft.
 10. The golf training putter of claim9 where the rigid objects have features at one end to facilitate passingthe rigid objects through the holes by hand, without the use of aspecific tool.
 11. The golf training putter of claim 7 where the lockingmechanism is comprised of a threaded rod extending outward from the endof the putter shaft that engages with the putter head.
 12. The golftraining putter of claim 11 where a locking nut is threaded onto athreaded rod extending from the shaft and is allowed to tighten withsufficient pressure against the rotational device to prevent the devicefrom rotating and prevent the putter head from rotating around theputter shaft.
 13. The golf training putter of claim 12 where one or morewashers are inserted between the locking nut and the rotational device.14. The golf training putter of claim 12 where the locking nut isdesigned to facilitate threading the nut onto the threaded rod of theshaft by hand, without the use of a tool.
 15. The golf training putterof claim 7 wherein the locking mechanism is comprised of: one end of theputter shaft having a threaded inner diameter; and a locking rodinserted into the threaded inner diameter of the putter shaft wherein atleast one portion of the locking rod is allowed to contact therotational device in a manner that prevents the rotational device fromrotating.
 16. The golf training putter of claim 15 wherein washers areinserted between the locking rod and the rotational device.
 17. The golftraining putter of claim 15 wherein the locking rod is designed tofacilitate threading into the threaded inner diameter of the shaft byhand, without the use of a tool.
 18. The golf training putter of claim 1wherein a counterweight is attached to the putter head by a supportdevice.
 19. The golf training putter of claim 18 wherein the supportdevice is shaped in the form of a Y.
 20. The golf training putter ofclaim 19 wherein the ends of the support device align with at least twoholes in the putter head.
 21. The golf training putter of claim 20wherein the counterweight is attached to a stem portion of the Y shapedsupport device.
 22. The golf training putter of claim 21 wherein thecounterweight is allowed to slide closer to or farther away from theputter head along the stem of the Y shaped support device.
 24. The golftraining putter of claim 19 wherein the stem of the Y shaped supportdevice is telescopic.
 25. The golf training putter of claim 23 whereinthe counterweight is attached to the end of the stem of the Y shapedtelescopic support device.
 26. The golf training putter of claim 24wherein the counterweight is interchangeable with other counterweightsof various size and weight.
 27. The golf training putter of claim 1further comprising a return mechanism to return the putter head to aspecific starting position prior to each putting stroke while stillallowing the putter head to rotate around the shaft.
 28. The golftraining putter of claim 26 wherein the return mechanism is comprised ofa ring attached to the shaft.
 29. The golf training putter of claim 27wherein the ring has at least one elastic member extending from the ringand is connected to at least one portion of the putter head.
 30. A golftraining putter comprising: a grip; a shaft; a putter head; and a meansfor rotatably connecting the putter head to the shaft.
 31. A method formanufacturing a golf training putter, the method comprising: providing ashaft; and attaching a putter head to a shaft in a manner that allowsthe putter head to rotate about the shaft.